(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 31 together.
The Government have decided to award a special service medal for peacekeeping with the United Nations to members of the Permanent Defence Force who have served with United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, and to the next of kin of deceased members. The question of a suitable design for the medal is at present being considered.
I understand that the prize-giving ceremony in connection with the Nobel Peace Prize will take place in Oslo on 10 December 1988. The prize will be accepted on behalf of the peacekeeping forces by the UN Secretary General. The programme for the ceremony has not yet been finalised by the Nobel Peace Committee but it is anticipated that a representative group from the UN peacekeeping forces will be invited.